Rajasthan BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore has triggered a political dispute after a widely circulated video showed him discussing which side India would support in different wars involving Pakistan.
Rathore said India would stand with Pakistan if Pakistan went to war with America, describing that position in terms of neighbourhood ties. He added that India would receive support if the conflict were between India and Pakistan.
The remarks were made at the BJP's state office in Jaipur during an event marking the birth anniversary of former President and Bharat Ratna Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Rathore was addressing the gathering when he spoke about standing with neighbouring countries and cited Pakistan as an example.
Congress demands clarification
After the video spread across social media, Congress sought an explanation from the BJP leadership. National spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah agreed with Rathore's position.
Mohamed also called for action against the Rajasthan BJP president. She referred to attacks from Pakistan involving Indian soldiers and civilians, arguing that Rathore's remarks raised serious questions in that context.
The criticism has focused on the contrast between Rathore's stated position in a possible conflict involving America and Pakistan, and his separate statement about supporting India in a war between India and Pakistan.
BJP response remains pending
No formal clarification from the BJP on the issue had been reported in the supplied material. Rathore's comments therefore remain at the centre of the political exchange, with Congress pressing the party leadership to respond.
The controversy follows the circulation of the video rather than a reported announcement of any policy change. The available account records Rathore's remarks, the Congress reaction and the absence of a formal BJP explanation.
Conclusion
Madan Rathore's comments about Pakistan have prompted Congress to seek answers from the BJP's senior leadership and demand action, while no formal BJP clarification has been reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who made the remarks about Pakistan?
Madan Rathore, the Rajasthan BJP president and a Rajya Sabha MP, made the remarks.
Q. What did Rathore say about a conflict involving America and Pakistan?
He said India would stand with Pakistan if Pakistan went to war with America because of the countries' neighbourhood relationship.
Q. What did he say about a war between India and Pakistan?
He said India would receive support if the conflict were between India and Pakistan.
Q. Where did Rathore make the remarks?
He made them at the BJP state office in Jaipur during an event marking Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's birth anniversary.
Q. How did Congress respond?
Congress criticised the remarks, sought responses from Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, and demanded action against Rathore.
Q. Has the BJP issued a formal clarification?
No formal clarification from the BJP was reported in the supplied material.
